EXPLORE HIMACHAL 2 - JEEP SAFARI

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival at Shimla

A Nomadier representative will be waiting for you at the Shimla Railway Station or at the Bus Station or at the hotel itself to welcome you to the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. From here on you will be transferred to your hotel and proceed to check-in. You would spend the night at the hotel itself.

Day 02: Shimla (Full Day Excursion in and around Shimla) (Drive - 70 Kms)

In the morning after breakfast we leave for ‘Kufri’ (2,622 Mts.) – 16 kms. to the North of Shimla. ‘Kufri’ is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges of ice coverings of perpetual snow. A fine ski resort, ‘Kufri’ has a winter season that extends from January to March. Also a sparkling winter sports festival is held each year in February at ‘Kufri’. From here we head to ‘Naldehra’ which has a scenic nine-hole Golf course with its springy turf, laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, ‘Lord Curzon’. From here we head on towards, ‘Mashobra’ – another place of attraction, noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine. ‘Mashobhra’ is a Sylvan retreat with pretty walks and picnic spots. A little track leads down to ‘Sipur’ a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it. Excursions are possible to ‘Shali Peak’ (9.6 km) – the highest point in the area or to ‘Craignano’ (3 Km.) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower – filled garden.

Later, we head for lunch and then take a leisurely tour of Shimla. Shimla’s salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions will make you ask for more of it.

(Walk)

The MallAll visitorsto Shimla inevitably walk down the ‘Mall’, the main promenade that runs along the top of the Ridge – a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the ‘Mall’ is ‘Scandal Point’, a large open square with a view of the town – a favorite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows.

Viceregal LodgeHoused in the Gothic splendour of the ‘Viceregal Lodge’is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India’s premier academy for higher research.

Himachal State MuseumVery close to the institute, in colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of ‘Pahari’ miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery. By evening we return to hotel and retire for the night at the hotel.

Day 03: Shimla – Manali – Solang (282 Kms.) (Drive - Approx 08 - 09 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning, around 8 we head towards Manali/ Solang. This will be around 08 - 09 hrs. journey. It comprises of zigzag roads in the beginning and flat stretch in the middle. On the way we pass through the lower belts of Himalayas and many towns such as ‘Sundernaggar’, ‘Mandi’, ‘Kullu’ etc. and eat pack lunch on the way. Eventually as the summits of snow clad mountains appear, we would reach ‘Solang’, and then be transferred to Hotel, and finish the Day with dinner at the hotel.

Day 04: Full Day Excursion To Naggar And Manali (Drive - 50 Kms To and Fro)

After morning breakfast we go to ‘Naggar’. It is one of the most beautiful drives in Kullu valley, as we drive through the wonderful surroundings with old traditional houses and absolute simple life, paddy fields dotted by the chalets, a wonderful thick Pine forest and a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Naggar
An old ancient capital of Kullu Valley, during the period of ‘King Sidh Singh’ in 1550 AD., it is located in the middle of the Valley, which was later shifted to Kullu. Naggar Castle still lies above the Naggar Village and from here one can get magnificent panoramic views of the Kullu Valley. Towards the north lies the ‘Rohtang Pass’ and ‘Bajaura’ to the south. As you stand on the corridors of the Castle, the whole Valley lies extended beneath you. It is also famous for ancient temples of Shankara, Vishnu and Krishna. ‘Naggar’ also has a famous Art Gallery situated a little above the ‘Naggar Castle’ which belongs to the famous painter, philosopher, writer and artist ‘Nicholas Rhoriech’.

We then drive back to ‘Manali’ town for lunch and later, one can take time to explore the town of Manali.

ManaliHimachal’s main tourist resort, Manali stands at the head of the Kullu Valley. Majestic mountain scenery and the areas seemingly limitless supply of inexpensive charm makes the place very popular among the tourists. Though it has seen fast changes in the last ten years, it still manages to charm and keeps a lingering effect on the first time tourist.

Hadimba Temple
‘Hadimba Temple’ is Manali’s oldest shrine. It is a fine example of ‘Pagoda’ architecture.

Old ManaliOld Manali - the village from which the modern Town takes its name, lies 3 Km. from the main mall. Unlike its offspring, the settlement retains an unhurried and traditional feel. There is a Temple of ‘Sage Manu’ here out of which the name ‘Manali’ has originated. We can spend time shopping in the markets of ‘Manali’ and later return to the hotel by dinner time.

Day 05: In Solang Valley (Full Day Adventure Activity)

13 Kms. north of ‘Manali’ and a ten minute walk from Hotel, in the middle of ‘Dhauladhar’ and ‘Pir Panjal Range’ of mountains, lies the beautiful ‘Solang Valley’. Solang Valley offers some amazing adventure activities. So spend your time doing para-gliding, quad-biking, zorbing, cable - car riding etc. (Optional at extra charges). There are also marvelous views of the snow capped peaks and the glaciers for the nature lovers. Later on, after having lunch, we would trek towards the old village of ‘Solang’.

SolangSituated completely isolated and surrounded by mountain ranges of ‘Dhauladhar’ and ‘Pir Panjal’ is the old village of ‘Solang’. It is an authentic Himalayan Village of Kullu Valley. The village has a small middle school so the group can interact with the school children and spend time exploring the village, the way of life and architecture of the houses and how the people are keeping up with sudden exposure to the modern world. In the evening we return to the hotel and stay overnight in the hotel.

Day 06: A Day Outing To Rohtang Pass (3,978 mts.) And Back To Hotel (100 kms)
(Drive - Approx 05 – 06 hrs To and Fro)
After breakfast, we start our journey, leaving the lush green countryside of Manali towards Rohtang Pass (3,978 Mts.) which will be a two and a half hours of journey through the mountains. The road climbs all the way up to Rohtang in zigzags till we reach ‘Rohtang gateway’ to ‘Lahaul’ and ‘Spiti’.

Rohtang Pass
Few places on the Earth can mark so dramatic a change in landscape as the ‘Rohtang Pass’. To one side, the lush green head of Kullu Valley; and to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate – coloured mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields. Weather permitting you can also do Skiing at Rohtang Pass (Optional at extra charges). Later, we have packed lunch and then drive back to ‘Solang’ and have dinner at hotel and retire for the night at the hotel.

Note:
* If the ‘Rohtang Pass’ is closed then indulge in river rafting (Optional at extra charges) in the morning and post – lunch trek to the waterfall near Hotel.

Day 07: Solang – Dharamsala (Drive - Approx 09 - 10 hrs) 180 Kms
We start early at around 08 just after breakfast and head straight towards ‘Dharamsala’. Till ‘Mandi’ we drive back through the same way as we came from Shimla and then from here we take another road through the ‘Kangra Valley’. This will be a 10 hr. journey, so we take packed lunch along with us.

Kangra Valley:
Kangra Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal. It rolls down the Southern edge of the magnificent ‘Dhauladhar Range’ in gentle slopes covered with forests of Pines and green tea gardens. Dhauladhar or ‘The White Range’ rises up to 14000 ft. providing a dramatic backdrop to the hill resort of ‘Dharamsala’. This is a principal township of Kangra‚ covering a wide area in the form of town settlement. Lower Dharamsala (1380 Mts.) is a busy commercial center‚ while upper Dharamsala (1700Mts.) with the suburb of ‘Mcleodganj’ and ‘Forsythganj’‚ retains the British flavor‚ more or less a colonial lifestyle. His Holiness‚ the ‘Dalai Lama‚ resides in ‘Mcleodganj’‚ which is now a major center for Tibetan Government in exile and Tibetan culture.

We reach Dharamsala by evening. Transfer to hotel and have dinner in the hotel.

Day 08: Full Day Excursions in Dharamsala
After breakfast in the morning‚ we head towards ‘Norbulingka Institute’ and the ‘Astronomical Medical Centre’. Pack lunch on the way and after returning from there‚ stroll through ‘Mcleodganj’‚ exploring the surroundings and interacting with local inhabitants.

The ‘Norbulingka Institute’ is a registered Trust functioning under the chairmanship of His Holiness the ‘Dalai Lama’. Established in Dharamsala‚ it is committed to the preservation of Tibetan culture‚ which is threatened with the destruction in its homeland. It is build according to traditional Tibetan style‚ following a ground plan based on the proportions of ‘Avalokiteshvara’‚ the Bodhisattva of compassion.

Set amidst beautiful gardens‚ surrounded by the green fields of the Kangra Valley. The Institute promotes Tibet′s traditional arts and literary studies and comprises the following sections; the center for arts; the academy of Tibetan culture‚ the culture and literary research center‚ Publications and the Library.

From here we visit the ‘Astronomical Medical Center’ which is about 8 km from Norbulingka Institute. The Tibetan medicine is made from herbs gathered from the high altitude of the Himalayas. This herbal medicine can cure many different diseases and are famous all over the world. Later‚ we visit the ‘Gangchen Kyishong monastery’ and the evening is left for some shopping and discovering the local market in ‘Mcleodganj’.

Mcleodganj:
‘Mcleodganj’ is a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazaars that sell carpets‚ handicrafts and delicious Tibetan culture. A giant prayer wheel ornaments the main street and in the monastery, a serene statue of Lord Buddha presides over the gentle chanting of the monks. Later we would return back to our hotel by dinner time.